Non 1st and 2nd round RBs (1 Viewer)

[Hear-the-Footsteps]

Many of us now know our draft spots in our upcoming drafts. And if you are anything like me, you've probably been playing around with trying to figure things out. I've looked at draft tendencies from my various leagues, I've mocked stuff out based on different scoring systems, etc.

I will try to keep this thread generic, as opposed to a very specific focus. Thus, I wanted to look at things in the overall sense of safest pick and best risk/reward pick - without getting into things like PPR or non-PPR, start 2 RBs or 2 RBs w/ flex, etc. Because afterall, regardless of your scoring system, lineup requirements, or anything else - 99% of all our leagues will see Steven Jackson go in the first round, while DeAngelo Williams just won't.

So after the top 19 RBs, I wanted to see what everyone's thoughts were on safest pick and best risk/reward picks.

Unless your league is really set-up differently, these below RBs are simply not being drafted in the 1st and 2nd rounds. Not when there are 19 other RBs (most of with fewer question marks or better talent), along with Manning, Chad Johnson, Steve Smith, Torry Holt, etc.

I will try and keep comments brief as most here already know the situations.

Deuce McAllister - Reggie Bush saw 155 carries and 88 receptions (and that was in his rookie year), so those touches will probably be going up = fewer opportunities for Deuce

Brandon Jacobs - never been a 20+/gm guy on a consistent basis (college or pros); big size could hurt him; Droughns to steal a lot?

Cadillac Williams - what the heck happened to that insane 1st 3 games as a rookie?, hasn't played a full season yet, 1 total TD last year in 14 games

Marshawn Lynch - rookie (and that means a lot since the NFL Dbacks & linemen are faster and hit harder than the ones in college)

Marion Barber III - was an animal last year, but new coaching staff still like Julius; really don't want my RB2 or 3 being a guy that sees fewer than 150 carries/year

Adrian Peterson - also a rookie, plus Chester Taylor was no slouch last year, plus injury history

Ahman Green - 30 years old, not a great o-line

DeAngelo Williams - Foster is still there

Jerious Norwood - Dunn's hurt, but for how long; Dunn will return; Atlanta is a mess right now (Harrington is QB)

Jamal Lewis - yes he had that insane season, but that was 4 years ago; just hasn't been the same since

Julius Jones - Marion Barber seems to be more talented

Fred Taylor - MJD seems to be more talented

Tatum Bell - wasn't great in Denver; what if KJ is back soon?

Chester Taylor - they brought in Adrian Peterson

Ladell Betts - Portis to see Andrews, but no one knows yet if that is very serious; if not then still just the backup

Lamont Jordan - stunk last year, really really stunk (434 rushing yards, 74 receiving yards, 2 tds); and they brought in Rhodes and drafted Michael Bush

Brandon Jackson - RBBC with Morency?; already not looking that good in camp

Kevin Jones - Lisfranc injury = offseason surgery; when will he return?; and how effective will he be when he does

Vernand Morency - RBBC with Jackson; already injured during camp

So who is the safest? Who is the one that would make you cringe the least if you had to start him on a somewhat regular basis?

Meanwhile, who has the best risk/reward situation?

Which will you target in the 3rd, 4th, or later?

Any of these guys based on their ADPs guys you just want in every league?!

 

[Jeff Haseley]

Brandon Jacobs is creeping up my rankings. The guy is an absolute horse with cleats. If he can show that he can handle the heavy load, he could be very productive. I also liked what I saw out of Marion Barber in last night's pre-season game against the Colts. I just don't see Julius Jones with the same pop, power, cut instincts and pass-catching ability that Barber possesses.

 

[David Yudkin]

Deuce McAllister - Probably a safe bet to ear back where he's drafted but has limited upside beyond that with Bush likely to get a beigger piece of the pie compared to last year.

Brandon Jacobs - From what I've seen Jacobs will be the man and Droughns will not be as big a factor as some are expecting. How well Jacobs will do is anyone's guess, but I think his upside is Top 10.

Cadillac Williams - TB running game has not done much with Gruden around. Maybe if the team collectively stayed healthy, but I have a hard time seeing Caddy in the Top 20 with maybe an upside of RB15.

Marshawn Lynch - If you believe the team, this will be RBBC. BUF has a terrible schedule against strong defenses this year. Maybe Lynch will shine next year and beyond, but I have gone out of my way to avoid him this year.

Marion Barber III - Jones should still be the majority ball carrier and MBIII likely won't see 15+ TD again. I'd rather have JJ however many rounds later.

Adrian Peterson - With the MIN OL, good health, and the majority workload ADP could approach the top 5. But MIN has ???? at QB and WR, CT is still going to play a fair amount, and I'm not sure the Vikes will be ahead very often. Basically, people are drafting ADP for his upside potential, so I would not want him as a RB1 or RB2 but he'd be a potnetially decent gamble if you could wait it out for him to get a lot of work.

Ahman Green - He was Top 15 last year missing 2.5 games on a team that threw the ball 600+ times. HOU has actually done pretty well in terms of RB production, but no one really noticed or cared. If marginally healthy Green could be Top 12-15 again.

DeAngelo Williams - Foster is going to be the starter and Williams will have to outproduce him or wait for an injury. Like last year, if Foster is healthy he'll get the majority of the carries. I rather have Foster however many rounds later.

Jerious Norwood - Norwood won't be available as I'm already seeing him drafted in the Top 20 backs. Clearly a lot of upsaide if Dunn is out or less productive due to injury, but overall the Vick mess makes it hard to put faith in any Falcons this year.

Jamal Lewis - I think he's a decent RB3 due to his projected workload. He won't see many socring chances or receptions, so if an you need someone to get 6-8 points but not much more, this may be your man.

Julius Jones - See Barber comments

Fred Taylor - Taylor is still the starting RB and had career highs in ypc and ypr. Be beware that I am not expecting the same team rushing totals as last year.

Tatum Bell - I have no faith in KJ at this point and think Bell will be huge early on (basically similar to what Jones did early last season). It gets murky after that (say halfway into the season). If Bell is productive, there would be no need to rush KJ back. I would guess Jones will be on the PUP list to start the season and couldn't play until the 7th game.

Chester Taylor - I think he may be able to get half the workload this year, but they may not make him worth starting fantasy wise.

Ladell Betts - One of the better backups to own, but if Portis can go I don't see Betts getting a big workload.

Lamont Jordan - Rhodes can't play until Week 5 and Bush may go on PUP or IR (who knows on that one). That leaves Jordan as the only real guy to start the year and like with Bell if he does well he could keep the job.

Brandon Jackson - Probably RBBC here.

Kevin Jones - Even if he comes back I doubt he will do as well as last year and now has to beat out Bell.

Vernand Morency - Not a huge fan of GB RB this year.

I have ended up with Foster, Jordan, TBell, and FTaylor a lot so far this year.

 

[Obie Wan]

Chris Brown may be another steal if Lendale proves too fat and lazy to play effectively

 

[PSILOCYBIN]

Great topic...would be great to see continuous additions/information...especially from HOMERS in respective cities such as MINN, GB, TENN, etc..etc...where there is no clear starter as of yet OR from fantasy football gugus who wish to share their wealth of knowledge or gut feelings.

 

[ceo3west]

I have ended up with Foster, Jordan, TBell, and FTaylor a lot so far this year.

Jordan is an enigma to me, and I've seen him stick around for a while in many mocks so he's there for the taking. I'm in a 14 teamer and he's going in about the 5th or 6th rd on avg it appears (don't have ADP info at hand). He's one of those guys that could be an absolute steal this year or could be a total bust like last year, I just don't have a feel for him right now. Are you really that confident in him to end up with him a lot as you say? Would like more thoughts on him. He'll be a guy I'll need to seriously consider in my league - I'm picking #1 and may go 2 WR at 28/29 depending on who's there. This will leave me with Jordan and a handful of others I'll need to consider in rds 4/5.

 

[Mystery Achiever]

I have ended up with Foster, Jordan, TBell, and FTaylor a lot so far this year.

Jordan is an enigma to me, and I've seen him stick around for a while in many mocks so he's there for the taking. I'm in a 14 teamer and he's going in about the 5th or 6th rd on avg it appears (don't have ADP info at hand). He's one of those guys that could be an absolute steal this year or could be a total bust like

Keep in mind that the stats -Footsteps listed are for only 9 games

 

[EBF]

Many of us now know our draft spots in our upcoming drafts. And if you are anything like me, you've probably been playing around with trying to figure things out. I've looked at draft tendencies from my various leagues, I've mocked stuff out based on different scoring systems, etc.I will try to keep this thread generic, as opposed to a very specific focus. Thus, I wanted to look at things in the overall sense of safest pick and best risk/reward pick - without getting into things like PPR or non-PPR, start 2 RBs or 2 RBs w/ flex, etc. Because afterall, regardless of your scoring system, lineup requirements, or anything else - 99% of all our leagues will see Steven Jackson go in the first round, while DeAngelo Williams just won't.So after the top 19 RBs, I wanted to see what everyone's thoughts were on safest pick and best risk/reward picks.Unless your league is really set-up differently, these below RBs are simply not being drafted in the 1st and 2nd rounds. Not when there are 19 other RBs (most of with fewer question marks or better talent), along with Manning, Chad Johnson, Steve Smith, Torry Holt, etc.I will try and keep comments brief as most here already know the situations.Deuce McAllister - Reggie Bush saw 155 carries and 88 receptions (and that was in his rookie year), so those touches will probably be going up = fewer opportunities for DeuceBrandon Jacobs - never been a 20+/gm guy on a consistent basis (college or pros); big size could hurt him; Droughns to steal a lot?Cadillac Williams - what the heck happened to that insane 1st 3 games as a rookie?, hasn't played a full season yet, 1 total TD last year in 14 gamesMarshawn Lynch - rookie (and that means a lot since the NFL Dbacks & linemen are faster and hit harder than the ones in college)Marion Barber III - was an animal last year, but new coaching staff still like Julius; really don't want my RB2 or 3 being a guy that sees fewer than 150 carries/yearAdrian Peterson - also a rookie, plus Chester Taylor was no slouch last year, plus injury historyAhman Green - 30 years old, not a great o-lineDeAngelo Williams - Foster is still thereJerious Norwood - Dunn's hurt, but for how long; Dunn will return; Atlanta is a mess right now (Harrington is QB)Jamal Lewis - yes he had that insane season, but that was 4 years ago; just hasn't been the same sinceJulius Jones - Marion Barber seems to be more talentedFred Taylor - MJD seems to be more talentedTatum Bell - wasn't great in Denver; what if KJ is back soon?Chester Taylor - they brought in Adrian PetersonLadell Betts - Portis to see Andrews, but no one knows yet if that is very serious; if not then still just the backupLamont Jordan - stunk last year, really really stunk (434 rushing yards, 74 receiving yards, 2 tds); and they brought in Rhodes and drafted Michael BushBrandon Jackson - RBBC with Morency?; already not looking that good in campKevin Jones - Lisfranc injury = offseason surgery; when will he return?; and how effective will he be when he doesVernand Morency - RBBC with Jackson; already injured during campSo who is the safest? Who is the one that would make you cringe the least if you had to start him on a somewhat regular basis?Meanwhile, who has the best risk/reward situation?Which will you target in the 3rd, 4th, or later?Any of these guys based on their ADPs guys you just want in every league?!

Best bets:Marshawn Lynch - There's basically no learning curve for the RB position, so he should be able to come in and be effective immediately. I don't buy the RBBC talk. They didn't draft Lynch in the top 15 so he could sit on the sidelines and watch Anthony "three yards and a cloud of mediocrity" Thomas. Lynch will start and get the majority of the carries. Buffalo isn't good enough to give him tons of scoring opportunities, but he'll be a viable RB2. Jerious Norwood - He might not get enough carries to be a difference maker, but he's a talented player who will produce when he plays. Might not have the build to be a featured runner. Cadillac Williams - Talented player who should produce if he can stay healthy. Will lose some catches to Pittman. Deuce McAllister - The Saints will score in droves. So even though he'll lose a lot of work to Bush, McAllister will score enough to be a top 20 RB in non-PPR formats. Adrian Peterson - Has tons of talent and is one of the few players on this list with the potential to explode and become a difference maker. It's too bad the Vikings have the league's worst QB and WRs.I'd also add LenDale White to the list. I'd take him over most of the guys you listed.

 

[ceo3west]

I have ended up with Foster, Jordan, TBell, and FTaylor a lot so far this year.

Jordan is an enigma to me, and I've seen him stick around for a while in many mocks so he's there for the taking. I'm in a 14 teamer and he's going in about the 5th or 6th rd on avg it appears (don't have ADP info at hand). He's one of those guys that could be an absolute steal this year or could be a total bust like

Keep in mind that the stats -Footsteps listed are for only 9 games

I hear you, but Jordan was a flat-out bust before his injury last year - he only had 1 100yd rushing game and 2 total TD's. With Oakland not having improved much in the offseason, a similar season could be in store for Jordan.

 

[Hear-the-Footsteps]

I have ended up with Foster, Jordan, TBell, and FTaylor a lot so far this year.

Jordan is an enigma to me, and I've seen him stick around for a while in many mocks so he's there for the taking. I'm in a 14 teamer and he's going in about the 5th or 6th rd on avg it appears (don't have ADP info at hand). He's one of those guys that could be an absolute steal this year or could be a total bust like

Keep in mind that the stats -Footsteps listed are for only 9 games

Are you being serious? That doesn't make it much better.That is 48 rushing yards a game, along with 8 receiving yards a game.Oh, and 1 TD every 4.5 games.So even on a PPG basis, as opposed to a total points on the year basis, it still stunk up the joint big time.I am with ceo3west on this one...he is a total enigma.The 05 Jordan?Or the 06 Jordan?

 

[Mystery Achiever]

I have ended up with Foster, Jordan, TBell, and FTaylor a lot so far this year.

Jordan is an enigma to me, and I've seen him stick around for a while in many mocks so he's there for the taking. I'm in a 14 teamer and he's going in about the 5th or 6th rd on avg it appears (don't have ADP info at hand). He's one of those guys that could be an absolute steal this year or could be a total bust like

Keep in mind that the stats -Footsteps listed are for only 9 games

Are you being serious?

Serious about what? I simply offered a fact/clarification about the stats. I offered no opinion on Jordan whatsoever.

 

[Hear-the-Footsteps]

I have ended up with Foster, Jordan, TBell, and FTaylor a lot so far this year.

Jordan is an enigma to me, and I've seen him stick around for a while in many mocks so he's there for the taking. I'm in a 14 teamer and he's going in about the 5th or 6th rd on avg it appears (don't have ADP info at hand). He's one of those guys that could be an absolute steal this year or could be a total bust like

Keep in mind that the stats -Footsteps listed are for only 9 games

Are you being serious?

Serious about what? I simply offered a fact/clarification about the stats. I offered no opinion on Jordan whatsoever.

I understand. I was just showing that regardless how or with what angle you use to look at Jordan's season last year - it was awful no matter how you slice it.But on the other hand, given his current ADP (going in the 6th and 7th rounds of leagues), to land a starting RB that late could be huge.If he were to put up 75% of what he did just two years ago during the 05 season, that would put him at RB 16.So I just don't know what to make of this guy.

 

[David Yudkin]

I have ended up with Foster, Jordan, TBell, and FTaylor a lot so far this year.

Jordan is an enigma to me, and I've seen him stick around for a while in many mocks so he's there for the taking. I'm in a 14 teamer and he's going in about the 5th or 6th rd on avg it appears (don't have ADP info at hand). He's one of those guys that could be an absolute steal this year or could be a total bust like last year, I just don't have a feel for him right now. Are you really that confident in him to end up with him a lot as you say? Would like more thoughts on him. He'll be a guy I'll need to seriously consider in my league - I'm picking #1 and may go 2 WR at 28/29 depending on who's there. This will leave me with Jordan and a handful of others I'll need to consider in rds 4/5.

I recently picked up Jordan in a redraft league with the 75th pick as my 4th RB. While I don't think he will repeat his 2005 totals, I think he's better than his 2006 totals (per game) when he was not healthy even when he was playing. I'm also thinking that the OAK offense has no place to go but up.I obviously have no idea what will happen after the first month is up and Rhodes comes back. However, if the optiions are not great RB or not great WR he might be worth consideration. I generally consider QB, RB, or TE around that part of the draft unless a WR falls that shouldn't as the WR options generally are a dime a dozen at that point (usually WR3 options).IMO, RB depth is more important than having borderline WR3s, so that's when I would be inclined to take the Jordans, Fosters, and Tatum Bells of the world. But maybe that's just me . . .

 

[ceo3west]

I have ended up with Foster, Jordan, TBell, and FTaylor a lot so far this year.

Jordan is an enigma to me, and I've seen him stick around for a while in many mocks so he's there for the taking. I'm in a 14 teamer and he's going in about the 5th or 6th rd on avg it appears (don't have ADP info at hand). He's one of those guys that could be an absolute steal this year or could be a total bust like last year, I just don't have a feel for him right now. Are you really that confident in him to end up with him a lot as you say? Would like more thoughts on him. He'll be a guy I'll need to seriously consider in my league - I'm picking #1 and may go 2 WR at 28/29 depending on who's there. This will leave me with Jordan and a handful of others I'll need to consider in rds 4/5.

I recently picked up Jordan in a redraft league with the 75th pick as my 4th RB. While I don't think he will repeat his 2005 totals, I think he's better than his 2006 totals (per game) when he was not healthy even when he was playing. I'm also thinking that the OAK offense has no place to go but up.I obviously have no idea what will happen after the first month is up and Rhodes comes back. However, if the optiions are not great RB or not great WR he might be worth consideration. I generally consider QB, RB, or TE around that part of the draft unless a WR falls that shouldn't as the WR options generally are a dime a dozen at that point (usually WR3 options).IMO, RB depth is more important than having borderline WR3s, so that's when I would be inclined to take the Jordans, Fosters, and Tatum Bells of the world. But maybe that's just me . . .

I think as an RB4 he's totally worth the risk, but I'd be considering him as my RB2 or RB3 if I take 2 WR in rds 2/3. I'll need to do some soul searching before the draft on this one. Thanks for the insight..

 

[ookook]

Ahman Green: Has always exceeded expectations when healthy. Houston is a good situation.

If stays healthy he is a lock to break RB20.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Everybody just assumes that Reggie Bush is going to get the ball so much more than Deuce McAllister and I don't know why. He's the best running back on the team. They both have different roles on the team anyways so they can both at least be productive. Deuce McAllister was basically a top-10 running back last season and now he's a 4th round pick? That sounds like great value to me.

 

[3nOut]

I started a very similar topic a few days ago. More info here.

 

[spurs44]

Everybody just assumes that Reggie Bush is going to get the ball so much more than Deuce McAllister and I don't know why. He's the best running back on the team. They both have different roles on the team anyways so they can both at least be productive. Deuce McAllister was basically a top-10 running back last season and now he's a 4th round pick? That sounds like great value to me.

I think Bush will increase his carries this year somewhat but Duece looked good last year and was the back that running at the end of games last year when the Saints were ahead and wanted to go ball control. He looked stronger last year running then has has in recent years and I see him as the power back inside the 5 yd line. The Saints will get alot of big pass plays again this year which will shorten the field quickly and then it will be Duece time. Great value pick for your 4th or 5th rb.

 

[the spanker]

Everybody just assumes that Reggie Bush is going to get the ball so much more than Deuce McAllister and I don't know why. He's the best running back on the team. They both have different roles on the team anyways so they can both at least be productive. Deuce McAllister was basically a top-10 running back last season and now he's a 4th round pick? That sounds like great value to me.

I think Bush will increase his carries this year somewhat but Duece looked good last year and was the back that running at the end of games last year when the Saints were ahead and wanted to go ball control. He looked stronger last year running then has has in recent years and I see him as the power back inside the 5 yd line. The Saints will get alot of big pass plays again this year which will shorten the field quickly and then it will be Duece time. Great value pick for your 4th or 5th rb.

4th or 5th rb? Deuce is going generally in the 4th round of the mocks I've seen and been a part of. Most people are picking him up as their RB2 or RB3.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Everybody just assumes that Reggie Bush is going to get the ball so much more than Deuce McAllister and I don't know why. He's the best running back on the team. They both have different roles on the team anyways so they can both at least be productive. Deuce McAllister was basically a top-10 running back last season and now he's a 4th round pick? That sounds like great value to me.

I think Bush will increase his carries this year somewhat but Duece looked good last year and was the back that running at the end of games last year when the Saints were ahead and wanted to go ball control. He looked stronger last year running then has has in recent years and I see him as the power back inside the 5 yd line. The Saints will get alot of big pass plays again this year which will shorten the field quickly and then it will be Duece time. Great value pick for your 4th or 5th rb.

4th or 5th rb? Deuce is going generally in the 4th round of the mocks I've seen and been a part of. Most people are picking him up as their RB2 or RB3.

I think he meant 4th or 5th round pick but I could be wrong. I think you could do a lot worse at RB2 than Deuce. Last season (not to mention his entire career) he's played like a starting running back. And that was his first season coming off ACL surgery. He should be even stronger and faster in his second season. People are quick to forget just how good a player he is. There was a time when he was arguably a top 5 running back in the league. Those days aren't that long ago.

 

[Men-in-Cleats]

I have ended up with Foster, Jordan, TBell, and FTaylor a lot so far this year.

Jordan is an enigma to me, and I've seen him stick around for a while in many mocks so he's there for the taking. I'm in a 14 teamer and he's going in about the 5th or 6th rd on avg it appears (don't have ADP info at hand). He's one of those guys that could be an absolute steal this year or could be a total bust like

Keep in mind that the stats -Footsteps listed are for only 9 games

I hear you, but Jordan was a flat-out bust before his injury last year - he only had 1 100yd rushing game and 2 total TD's. With Oakland not having improved much in the offseason, a similar season could be in store for Jordan.

I see Oakland improving much from last year from the vantagepoint of addition by subtraction in that they 86'ed last year's coaching staff. The coaching last year was absolutely attrocious especially on the offensive line. Nobody seemed to know who they were supposed to block and from reports I've seen on here, the OL were getting told different things by different coaches and didn't know what to do. The way they started the season last year only left them with room to go up as they couldn't get much worse. The first few games I saw of theirs I thought they had a legitimate shot at challenging the 79 Bucs for futility and going winless. If they can get a little better play out of their linemen this year with the new coaching staff their defense should keep them in enough games to where they just might be able to run the ball. People are calling Jordan a bum but if you saw last year's Raider games, LT2 or Barry Sanders or whomever you put back there would have looked like a chump too.

 

[Keith R]

The top 3 would be Jacobs, Lynch, and Norwood. DeAngelo would be iffy, and I really would not feel comfortable starting anyone else in a 2 RB format.

 

[Hear-the-Footsteps]

Now that there has been another week and a half of preseason games, we are starting to see how some things are playing out - ie, who is looking good, who isn't, who is moving up on depth charts, who is moving down, etc.

Anyone changing their minds on which non-1st and non-2nd round RBs they are targeting?

Which of the non-1st & non-2nd round RBs do you HAVE to have? The guys you are really hoping fall to you in the 3rd or 4th rounds?

Likewise, which are you avoiding at all costs?

 

[Deuce'sWild]

I drafted Deuce as my RB2 this year. I just have a feeling with the underachievers at WR, that Bush may be used more split out than at RB, leaving Deuce to take most of the carries. I have no evidence to back this up, just a hunch. Towards the end of last year, Deuce got stronger and more confident with his knee. He was getting 20+ carries a game, and I think if he gets that again this year, he will produce top 10 numbers....major value.

 

[skillz]

In my 12-team, keep 2 keeper league, I have Travis Henry and Benson as my two RB's. I plan on taking a WR (either TO or Holt) with my first round pick and then will probably take my RB3 in the 2nd round (akin to 4th round since everyone is keeping two players).

Out of the players listed above, Edge, Lynch, McAllister and T. Jones will all be gone by the time I pick. I would be happy to get either:

A. Green -- like the fact that he is not in a committee and will also be involved in the passing game. I am thinking he is a safe pick since he will get 20 touches or so per game since he will be used as both a rusher and receiver. Downside is that he is injury prone and may wear down by season's end. But, as a RB3 he is still a solid pick.

OR

A. Peterson -- he will probably be gone since I am in a keeper league. Even though he is in a RBBC, I would love to have him as my RB3 with the hope that he takes over the majority of carries from Chester Taylor as the second half of the season arrives.

I would not draft any of the other RBs when my second pick comes around, I would instead look at drafting other positions and getting another RB in the next round since they are all so similar.

J. Lewis-- I just have no confidence in the Cleveland offense and he seems to have lost a step since his 2,000 yard season.

Jacobs -- I just have a gut feeling that he won't be effective carrying the ball 20 plus times a game. I would rather have Marion Barber a round or two later than him. My fear of Barber is that he is in a RBBC and Julius Jones appears to now be a factor in goal line carries which is what really made Barber valuable last year.

Cadillac -- He burned me last year and I just don't see him being more than a guy that gets 15 carries a game while having his TD's vultured by another RB, and Pittman limiting his involvement in the passing game.

Tatum Bell -- He will do alright (1,100 total yards, 6 td's) but I don't think he will do well enough to warrant a pick as my RB3 instead of Green or AD. I don't know what effect Kevin Jones will have on him when he returns in the middle part of the year. Lions may also get away from running the ball since they will be behind in games, and Martz has a tendency to pass more than run.

 

[LILB811]

In my opinion, the only real "safe" choices are McAllister and Barber. You pretty much know what you're getting with these two and there is not too much downside other than the shared carries. Both are productive and solid.

Jacobs is a little bit unpredictable but the potential is there to have a great season. Probably also has little downside, but based on ADP I'd take Deuce and MB3 first.

Norwood had the highest YPC amongst RB's last year. Go to NFL.com and watch highlights from the Redskins and Cardinals games. The guy is explosive and a definite spark plug. His durability and previous work load are questionable, but this guy's upside is probably as high as any of the mid range RB's.

Peterson and Lynch are solid picks and I think should be serviceable RB3's this year, but probably not guys you'd want to count on every week. In a keeper league, grab these guys and you won't be sorry.

Green, Caddy, Jamal Lewis, Fragile Fred, and Julius Jones are decent picks, but don't really have a ton of potential to have an outstanding season.